In commemoration of the start of the Islamic calendar, 1446 After Hijra (AH), the Katsina and Borno state governments have declared Monday, July 8, as a work-free day.
News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Katsina state government made this known in a statement issued by Mr Abdullahi Aliyu-Yar’adua, the director of press, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba-Faskari.
The Islamic New Year began on Sunday, the first day of Al-Muharram, 1446 AH, which is the first month on the Islamic calendar.
According to Garba-Faskari, the governor of the state, Dikko Radda, in a message urged all Muslims to strictly adhere to the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in their daily activities.
He also called on the clerics to continue to advocate for peaceful coexistence amongst the various communities in the state.
Garba-Faskari said the governor called for prayers against security challenges and hardships experienced across the country while wishing the people a prosperous Islamic year and bumper harvest at the end of the farming season.
Borno state government on public holiday
In the same vein, the Borno acting governor, Umar Kadafur, said the state has declared Monday as a public holiday in honour of the Islamic New Year, which begins on the first day of the month of Muharram.
Kadafur said the holiday aims to provide the Muslim community with the opportunity to reflect on the significance of the Hijrah and to celebrate the Islamic New Year in a spirit of unity and devotion.
He urged the Muslim Ummah to uphold values of moderation, piety, tolerance, respect, dignity, patriotism and peaceful co-existence which resonate universally.
